Students tell how maps differ from globes, state some characteristics of 3 different types of map projections, and realize that distortions are inherent in various systems of map projections.

Fourth graders the symbols that are used on weather maps. They develop five day forecasts based on information they gather from weather maps in the newspaper and on the Internet.

Students identify the four cardinal directions. In this map skills geography lesson, students use a magnetic compass to label the four directions in the classroom. Students use the four directions to locate objects in the classroom.

Students examine the water cycle and the factors that interact with watersheds.  In this watersheds lesson students describe the purification process, trace the flow of infiltrate water through aquifers, and research the Internet to...

Students create geologic maps of the Gettysburg battlefield. In this geologic skills lesson, students consider the variations of Earth's surfaces and explore strategies employed by the North and South in the Battle of Gettysburg to...

In this magnetic Earth worksheet, students learn how a compass works with the magnetic poles of the Earth. This worksheet has 4 short answer questions.

Pupils are introduced to the online Atlas of Canada and they identify the lakes and major rivers of Alberta.

Students study map grids and explore how they can be used to locate positions of objects or features on a map. They read a story and then participate in a grid activity using a large map of the setting of the story.

Students use their imaginations in order to journey to the center of the earth to find different types of minerals. They create minerals using playdough and create scientific drawings of them. Finally, students create a map to locate the...

Young scholars identify the characteristics of deserts. In this geography lesson plan, students discuss the characteristics of a desert and label a map with the names of deserts.

Third graders label continents, oceans, and major mountain ranges on maps and use the maps to write an informational report about landmarks. In this landmarks lesson plan, 3rd graders write about 1 major landmark.

Students explore pollution of water sources. For this ecology lesson, students define and identify natural resources. Students use map skills to locate local rivers and lakes used for recreation. Students brainstorm ways in which to keep...

Fourth graders investigate the historical context for the founding of The Oregon Trail. They conduct research to put together the events that led to the geographical route that was taken. The lesson also strengthens geography skills with...

High schoolers examine the geographic features and population distribution of the Philippines. They analyze maps, take a quiz, define monsoon, and discuss how the people in the Philippines have adapted to their environment.

Young scholars identify the continents on the globe. In this map skills lesson, students define the term "continent" and identify the seven continents on the globe.

Learners explore the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson, students read the book The Magic School Bus Wet All Over and summarize the steps of the water cycle. Learners label a picture map of the water cycle.

Fourth graders watch a video that describes the climate and vegetation zones of Hawaii. They describe the different physical conditions that create vegetation zones from the sea to the mountains. In groups, they create an illustrated...

Student's identify geographic features of a South American map. They use the scale of the map to calculate distances between points. They identify examples of the five geographic themes on the map of South America.

Young climatologists explore the factors that contribute to a region's climate in this two-part earth science activity. To begin, learners are provided with a map of an imaginary planet and are asked to label global wind and...

Young scholars review the symbols and legends of a map. In groups, they follow a set of directions to create a map showing the route to a specific place. They present their map to the class and review the basic components of a community.

Second graders explore convection currents and how they relate to the movement of tectonic plates. Then, young geologists reconstruct Pangaea with a worksheet and pinpoint plate boundaries on a map...

Using the NASA website, class members try to determine if changes could be detected in cloud cover, temperature, and/or radiation measurements due to the lack of contrails that resulted from the halt in air traffic after the attacks...

Don't get your classes all shook up about plate movement, instead use a thorough unit that guides learners to an understanding of plate tectonics. The lessons incorporate a study of the types of plate boundaries and their effects on the...

Introduce third graders to energy waves with a hands-on geology activity, in which they answer questions and compare seismograms in the San Francisco Bay area. After a demonstration that shows how bigger waves indicate a...